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Southwest Airlines offers a Visa credit card in conjunction with Chase that gives some special benefits to its holders. The most popular benefit is the ability to earn a free airline ticket on Southwest. Free tickets are awarded for every 16 Rapid Rewards credits you earn. The Southwest credit card allows holders to earn these credits by making purchases. By knowing the rules, you can maximize this program and earn as many free airline tickets as possible.

Items you will need

Southwest Airlines Visa card

Step 1

Take advantage of a special offer when you apply for the card. Southwest Airlines often runs specials that allow applicants to quickly earn a free ticket if they are approved for a Southwest credit card. It takes 16 Rapid Rewards (RR) credits to get the ticket, and under a typical introductory offer a new cardholder can earn eight RR credits just for using the new card. Then, up to eight more credits can be earned through balance transfers. If the user maximizes these opportunities, he will quickly earn a free ticket.

Step 2

Use your Southwest credit card for as many purchases as possible and pay it in full every month so you can continue this usage pattern. You earn one RR credit for every $1,200 you spend on your Southwest credit card. This means you must charge a total of $19,200 on the credit card in order to earn 16 RR credits and get a free ticket.

Step 3

Keep your Southwest credit card open and active. For every year that you have your account, you will receive two RR credits on your anniversary date. These can be added to the credits you earn through purchases.

Step 4

Purchase Southwest Airlines tickets with your Southwest credit card. You receive double credit for every dollar you spend on Southwest tickets. This means that you only need to spend $600 in order to learn one RR credit, or $9,600 to earn a free ticket, when you are buying Southwest tickets with your card. You will also receive double points by making purchases from Southwest's travel partners. Qualifying partners are listed on the airline's website.

Tip

There is an annual fee for the Southwest credit card. However, you may be able to get the fee waived for the first year by calling Chase prior to applying and asking if they would be willing to waive it in order to gain a new customer.

Warning

Even though you may earn a free ticket, you will still be required to pay a security fee as mandated by the United States government. Free ticket availability may be limited or unavailable at peak travel times.

Resources

About the Author

Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience. She is a mental health counselor, finance coach and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer" and "Grit" and she authored the book, "So You Want to Be a Counselor."

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